FC KANSAS CITY RETURNS HOME

Chicago Red Stars Visit for First Weekday Match of the Season

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan (April 29, 2024) – FC Kansas City, still looking for the first win of the young season, returns home to Verizon Wireless Field on Wednesday night against the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00p.m. CT. This is the first road game of the year for Chicago, who are coming off a disappointing loss at home to the Washington Spirit over the weekend.

FC Kansas City vs. Chicago Red Stars – Game Notes

True to form, Kansas City has held possession through most of the games played so far this season, but that has only translated into 3 goals. Saturday night in Portland, the team’s offense showed signs of turning that trend around. The team had many chances and only a few incredible saves from Nadine Angerer kept the team from lighting up the scoreboard.

Jenna Richmond got her first start of the season in the midfield, next to Ironwoman Jen Buczkowski. Together with the Becky Sauerbrunn, Nikki Phillips and the rest of the backline, they kept the high-powered Portland offense in check for most of the game.

Forward Amy Rodriguez has returned to form already this season. She leads the team with goals in each of the first two games and has been dangerous from all over the field since her return.

Chicago opened their season with an exciting 1-0 victory over the Western New York Flash. Julie Johnston, the team’s first round draft choice in the 2024 College Draft, scored on a header early into the second half. The team held on throughout the half for the victory.

The Red Stars are currently tied for the best defense in the NWSL, having only allowed one goal this season. Karina LeBlanc, formerly of the Portland Thorns, has been a key figure in the Red Stars defense. The veteran international goalkeeper’s skills and leadership have been on display in each of the two matches Chicago has played this season.

These two teams met once in the exhibition season on March 22, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Just like that game, Kansas City will once again look to control the midfield throughout this match while trying to solve the LeBlanc led defense. In the exhibition, Chicago played the ball through midfielder Lori Chalupny who would look for players open to attack.

Game time is scheduled for 7:00p.m. CT on Wednesday and tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 855.4KC.GOAL or in-person at the box office beginning at 5:00p.m. CT on game day. The match will also be streamed live on the team’s website at FCKansasCity.com/Live-Feed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Maegan Kelly has been waived by the team. The forward from Marquette was selected by FC Kansas City in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL College Draft